An animal research centre in the US has been slapped with a $15,000 fine for offences including inadequate care for a lab animal after the death of a macaque monkey. While accepting the fine, Yerkes National Primate Research Center has denied any wilful wrongdoing (AP). The centre, part of Emory University, was fined after two inspections found unsanitary conditions and inadequate staff training.

The US Department of Agriculture found rat droppings in research facilities and blamed equipment failures for the death of the monkey (according to the Emory Wheel, a student paper). USDA spokeswoman Jessica Miteer told the paper that the university had paid two previous fines, for water deprivation and enclosures of inadequate size. “We never say we’re perfect, and we’re always open to getting better,” said a university spokesperson.